Two serger questions

[atpeace]

Quick question from a sewing/serging newbie...

Can you hem a skirt or pants using a serger instead of a sewing machine?

Can you make a band (to put an elastic through, to make a waistband) using a serger instead of a machine?

I have access to a serger (but not a machine) right now, and am trying to repurpose some t-shirts into a skirt.  I can serge the panels together, but am lost about what to do for possible hems, and for the waist band...

Any tips?  I can't seem to find anything really helpful doing a google search.

[RoamingWidgeteer]

yes, if it can do coverstitch. It does take practise to get a good finish though ...

[tracymom1]

You can sew the waistband right onto the fabric with a serger.  If it has a manual, it should go over all the possible stitch combinations and what not.  You could also do a rolled hem for the bottom. This book is very helpful for figuring out how to make nice seams and simple tricks with a serger.  I had absolutely no idea how to do anything but a basic overlock before reading it.

Happy sewing! I love using tee shirts for fun other stuff!

[atpeace]

Thanks ladies!

This serger is over 30 years old (my MIL is a packrat!), so the manual is loooong gone, and it's not even online.  

I'll check out the book at my library!  

[motherhendoula]

Most importantly you need t find out how to raise the razor out of the way - to do either - both stitches would be about the same - for the hem you could fold over .5 inch and do the cover stitch.  similar for the waistband